Monday, February 8, 2010

Interview with Diana's Client, David Stearman, Author and Songwriter

Dear From the Heart reader, it is my privilege today to introduce to you, author David Stearman. David’s first novel, Hummingbird, was co- written with Hope C. Flinchbaugh. I am currently pitching it. David, how did you come to co write this book with Hope?

Hi Diana. The idea of bringing a co-writer into this work came by way of my career as a songwriter. (Songwriters tend to co-author their works more often than not) I’d already completed a slightly shortened version of Hummingbird before contacting Hope, but the story seemed to lack some important element. Having met Hope years ago in a Pennsylvania church where I frequently minister, I read her award-winning book Daughter of China, and felt she’d be a perfect fit for co-authoring this story. So I cranked up my courage, called her, and asked. Her contributions to Hummingbird’s concept and story line have been nothing short of transformative.

You mentioned songwriting. What’s your experience in that field?

I began writing contemporary Christian music years ago, when the genre was still in its infancy. I’ve been called a Contemporary Christian Music pioneer, although I think the real CCM pioneers are the guys like Nancy Honeytree and Larry Norman, who originally fought the system and made the way for the rest of us. But I’ll still accept the title, since it kind of makes me feel like a big shot. :-) Anyway, my songs have been published on many artists’ albums since that time, and I still write music--both CCM and Country, although writing novels is definitely my first love.

In your writing journey, how and when did you decide to focus your writing on the literary genre you have?

The genre I write reflects my personal perspectives as a missionary and music industry professional. I’m just trying to live by the faithful adage, “write what you know.”

Where did you get your inspiration from for the title that is currently being shopped around?

My travels up and down the Western Mexican coast have taught me that we all have much to learn from other cultures. I dearly love the USA, but we Americans don’t know it all. I’ve learned a little about living and a lot about love from my friends south of the Line.

Do your characters represent people you know or are related to?

Absolutely. “Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent”

Have you traveled to do any of this research or spend a lot of time at your library?

Most of my research is the fruit of a life spent on the road in the US and other lands. Everything else I owe to Google.

What has been the hardest part of writing your novel and how did you overcome it?

I can sum it up in one word: dialogue. I’m learning to write my characters’ conversations in the way I naturally talk, rather than in the way I think a character in a novel should speak.

What do you hope people will take away from reading your book?

That Jesus saves to the uttermost. That your life can be transformed into something beautiful, no matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done.

What new projects are you working on, are they in the same genre and time period?

I’m currently finishing another contemporary work, this time about the music business, entitled Hot. It’s a tale about the dark side of fame.

What is the best and worst writing advice you ever got?

The worst advice I received was to avoid writing in my own voice and vernacular. The best advice was to avoid verbosity.

What new gadget have you added as a tool to help you in your everyday writing life?

The iPhone. There’s an app for that.

I'm jealous- I definitely want to get one of those iPhones myself.

Is there an area in your writing that you are working on improving?

Devising creative plots; it’s all about the idea. I want to write innovatively, to compose fresh, poignant story lines.

What obstacles have you run up against in your writing journey?

Learning the craft itself, I think. My first novel took four years to complete, since it was kind of my “authors’ college.” Grasping the concept of POV was a tough one back then, as was the” showing-not-telling” thing. I’m still learning daily, but that’s a good thing, right? ‘Cause I’ve still got a lot to learn.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing and your previously published titles? Website, FB, Twitter, Shoutlife?

You can learn more about me at www.davidstearmanministries.org, a site devoted primarily to my missions work. Or you can friend me on Facebook. I love to make new friends.

Would you like to offer the other authors out there a last word of encouragement?

Yes, I would. Two things.

1: Yes, there is a future for you in literature, regardless of what others might say. Just keep learning, and pushing, those books. God’s on your side. Your time will come, as Book of Ecclesiastes says, “Time and chance come together for every man.”

2: Ask others for advice, and don’t stiffen your neck to what they say. But be careful--you’ve gotta know who to, and who not to, listen to. Everyone has an opinion, but the people to pay attention to are the ones who actually know what they’re talking about, i.e. heavily published authors and experienced agents.

David, thank you so much for joining us here today and I hope our readers will check out your sites and your books when they are published.

4 comments:

writer jim
said...

After reading your great post; it brought to my mind something regarding "contemporary Christian music." When I was in my teens in the 1960's, I was friends with Homer Hammontree and Paul Beckwith. They had been the famous evangelist Billy Sunday's songleader and pianist...and typist of sermons, etc. Paul stayed in my bedroom for years when visiting and ministering in Central Florida. The greatest thing he taught me was about being on our knees seeking God. In fact, I first learned God's voice on my knees at that time. Paul was a most humble man. He was the editor of HYMNS in 1946-7. What I want to EXPLAIN here is that the controversy churches have today regarding the 'old hymns only' OR 'contemporary music' is not really new. This same controversy was going on in the first half of the 20th century. Many people seem to think it is something new.

Reading your post has really uplifted me as an unpublished but passionately pursuing being published author. Never give up has been my ultimate motto but the quote from Ecclesiastes has really brightened my day and my future. I love it! My time and chance are on their way, I can feel it and have faith in God to provide it. I can't wait to read your book!!! Congratulations :)

The more I read about/meet people from other nations, the more your words prove true: Americans don't know it all. I love that the Body of Christ is composed of all our various cultures--won't Heaven be fun?

MEET THE HARTLINE AGENTS

Joyce Hart, Owner and principal agent

Joyce Hart, owner and principal agent of Hartline Literary Agency has been a literary agent for more than a decade. She was formerly the vice president of marketing of an inspirational publishing company and as the president of Hartline Marketing has nearly thirty-two years of successful experience marketing and promoting books. Joyce has been a pioneer in selling high-quality fiction to the inspirational market and has built an excellent rapport with leading inspirational publishers. A member of ACFW, and the National Association of Professional Women, Joyce is a graduate of Open Bible College, Des Moines, IA now merged with Eugene Bible College in Eugene, Oregon. Joyce is based at Hartline Literary's Pittsburgh headquarters.

Terry Burns. Agent

Terry has been with the Hartline agency for over ten years, over six years as an agent, and has a substantial list of clients, a growing list of credits, and a reputation for presenting to conferences all over the country. Terry comes from a writing background, has over 40 books of his own in print, most recently publishing a primer for Christian authors entitled "Writing in Obedience" with editorial assistant Linda Yezak. His Young Adult novel entitled "Beyond the Smoke" won the Will Rogers Medallion and he has a book out on the skills needed to get published entitled "A Writer's Survival Guide toPublication" that was developed out of the month long course he held for ACFW. A bookstore of his available works as well as a periodic blog can be found at http://www.terryburns.net. As an agent Terry says "I'm looking for a good book, well written in a unique voice, aimed at a market that looks promising, and where I feel I have the contacts appropriate to be able to sell the book in that market. I'm pretty open as to genre but I don't do picture books, sci fi or fantasy. He's a member of the Association of Author's Representatives (AAR).

Diana Flegal, Agent

Diana currently lives in Asheville NC. A Bible College major in Missions and Anthropology, Diana has been a medical missionary to Haiti, a women's speaker and bible study leader. One of her life's highlights has been teaching apologetics to high school students as preparatory for college. Avid reader and intuitive editor, Diana's represents nonfiction and well written fiction. She has a passion for getting great writers published.

Jim Hart, Agent

Jim Hart is looking for authors who can write unique and engaging fictional suspense, romance, women’s fiction, historical fiction and some sci-fi. Jim is also interested in non-fiction regarding church growth, Christian living, and self-help. Keep in mind that non-fiction topics require a certain level of credentials, experience and expertise. The author will need an appropriate platform to present a non-fiction proposal.

Currently Jim is not looking at children’s, young adult or Biblical fiction proposals.

He holds a degree in Production Journalism and worked for twenty years in direct mail advertising before taking a job with an urban social services agency, where he worked for twelve years. All during his professional career, Jim has served with the local church doing youth ministry and music/worship ministry. He is a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, and serves part-time as Worship Pastor in his local church in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Linda Glaz, Agent

Linda is an experienced editor, reviewer and writer, and for a couple of years was a final reader for Wild Rose Press, then for White Rose Publishing and she worked as an editorial assistant for Hartline Agent Terry Burns. She has judged for numerous contests including the Genesis for the American Christian Fiction Writers, as well as the Emily Award for the West Houston Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. She has been on the faculty for Faithwriters.com annual conference, Maranatha, and is slated for numerous others in 2013. Linda understands writers because she's a writer herself with 4 books releasing in 2013.linda@hartlineliterary.comhttp://lindaglaz.blogspot.com/

Andy Scheer, Agent

Andy has a wealth of experience as a publishing professional with over 18 years as the managing editor of Moody Magazine, 8 years as the managing editor for the Christian Writer’s Guild, and as a free-lance writer and editor. He is a frequent instructor at writing conferences around the country. A journalism graduate from Colorado State University, he also attended Denver Seminary. Andy is a consummate professional and will be a great addition to the Hartline team.